The main producer of the monkeypox vaccine, Bavarian Nordic, said it is “ready” for the ongoing outbreak.
Bavarian Nordic, the principal manufacturer of the monkeypox vaccine, has decided to accelerate its production of the monkeypox vaccine, the laboratory announced this Thursday. Up to 10 million doses should be available by 2025, AFP learned.
Monkeypox has crossed the barriers of the European Union last week. Sweden reported on August 15 that it had detected a case of monkeypox on its territory. Until then, the outbreak was particularly rampant on the African continent. The WHO raised its alert level to “the highest” on Wednesday, August 14.
To address the looming epidemic, the Danish manufacturer of the monkeypox vaccine has decided to step up its efforts. The laboratory plans to have up to 10 million doses of vaccine by 2025. So far, 500,000 doses are in stock. “We have also built up stockpiles to enable us to respond quickly in case of an outbreak, as is the case currently,” it stated.
A new “more dangerous” strain
A first outbreak was declared in 2022, affecting several hundred countries. A total of 140 people have died out of more than 90,000 cases. While the threat seemed distant, in recent weeks the disease has returned and is gaining ground in Africa. It is a new strain, “clade 1b,” which is “more transmissible and dangerous” than previous ones that is now circulating. The virus is transmitted through sexual relations and physical contact. The disease is particularly dangerous for children.
The outbreak has crossed new barriers in recent days. Several cases of “clade 1b” have been reported in Thailand as well as in Europe, in Sweden, raising fears of the episode of a “new Covid.” A concern that the WHO wanted to downplay: “Monkeypox is not the new Covid, whether it is the clade 1 of monkeypox that is the source of the current outbreak in Central and Eastern Africa, or the clade 2 of monkeypox that caused the 2022 outbreak.”
Recently, Bavarian Nordic has asked the European Medicines Agency to extend vaccination coverage to adolescents aged 12 to 17.
Future Trends in Monkeypox Vaccination and Public Health Response
Bavarian Nordic, the leading manufacturer of the monkeypox vaccine, has ramped up its production efforts in response to the ongoing outbreak and expected rise in cases. With an ambitious goal of producing up to 10 million doses by 2025, the company aims to bolster global health security amidst rising concerns of transmission.
Global Expansion of Monkeypox Cases
As monkeypox has now crossed into the European Union, highlighted by Sweden’s recent detection of a case, there is an increased urgency for public health authorities to monitor the situation closely. The World Health Organization (WHO) has initiated its highest alert level, signaling a proactive stance in combating this resurgence of the disease.
Increased Severity with New Variants
The emergence of the new “clade 1b” variant, which has proven to be more transmissible and dangerous, has raised alarm among health officials. This variant’s transmission methods, primarily through sexual contact and physical interactions, pose significant challenges in containment, particularly among vulnerable populations, such as children. With recent cases reported beyond Africa, including Thailand and Sweden, there are fears of a broader epidemic akin to the earlier COVID-19 crisis.
Vaccination Strategies for Youth and Vulnerable Populations
In light of the evolving nature of the outbreak, Bavarian Nordic’s request to the European Medicines Agency to extend vaccination eligibility to adolescents aged 12 to 17 indicates a strategic shift. This could lead to more comprehensive vaccination programs that address not only current adult populations but also at-risk youth, thereby enhancing overall community immunity.
Public Health Preparedness and Response
With 500,000 doses already in stock, Bavarian Nordic’s proactive stance is mirrored by a global push for preparedness against emerging infectious diseases. Health organizations are now tasked with establishing robust frameworks that allow for swift action and communal education, ultimately aiming to mitigate the potential for widespread outbreaks. This multi-faceted approach emphasizes the necessity of collaboration between vaccine manufacturers, public health bodies, and communities to effectively combat monkeypox and similar public health threats in the future.